A guide to Full Grain Leather

We opt for full grain, vegetable tanned leather for the uppers because it is the best quality leather money can buy, and has a natural, beautiful finish.

The difference between full grain and top grain, or corrected leather is that full grain displays the natural markings and grain characteristics from the leather. Full grain leather is selected from higher quality hides that are not sanded or buffed. This is the leather in it's purest form. Top grain, or corrected leather on the other hand usually goes through a long process of sanding, buffing, processing and dying to make it useable and to remove the marks, scratches and insect bites that come from using lower quality hides.

Natural, full grain leather also ages beautifully, developing a natural patina and burnishing over time. It is the best leather money can buy, and the only leather we use for our shoe uppers. The beauty of full grain leather is that each piece is wonderfully unique. All of the slight imperfections and marks give the shoes tremendous character and are a hallmark of quality leather that will continue to remain strong for years to come.

When buying a new pair of shoes, it always makes sense to invest in a pair that uses full grain leather. The difference in quality is quite substantial. Your shoes will mould perfectly to your foot, providing maximum comfort and durability.

A question we get asked frequently, is 'how can I tell the difference between full grain leather, and corrected leather'. You can identify full grain leather by looking closely at the grain. You should be able to see the pores of full grain leather, where as corrected grain usually has this layer stripped back. The surface is shiny and almost plastic.